Italian Landscape with Draftsman

Jan Dirksz BothAround 1650

Rijksmuseum

A number of artists have gathered in a leafy spot near a waterfall. One of them is drawing, while a companion looks over his shoulder. A group of travellers with heavily laden horses have just crossed the bridge and are continuing on their way. On the right, the viewer is treated to a view of the sun-drenched Roman campagna. Jan Both gave special attention to the depiction of the plants, trees and shrubs in the foreground. This is characteristic of his later work. Jan Both was one of the most important of the 'Italianizers', the name given to the Dutch painters who specialized in the depiction of the sunny Italian landscape. He lived in Rome for many years, and back in Holland devoted himself exclusively to Mediterranean landscapes. This painting is the largest he ever did.

A. van der Hoop Bequest, 1854. On loan from the City of Amsterdam, 1885.